Football preview: No. 11 Glenbard North at No. 8 Naperville North

Football | Wisniewski keeps Glenbard North line in line

September 09, 2010|By Brian Hedger | Special to the Tribune

Paul Wisniewski is pulling out the stops to mesh the fresh faces on Glenbard North's offensive line into an impenetrable wall of blockers.

As the lone returning starter on that line for No. 11 Glenbard North (2-0), the 6-foot-4, 290-pound Wisniewki is doing many of the same things for this year's varsity rookies that last year's senior-dominated line did for him.

"Communicating is huge for every offensive line on every team," said Wisniewski, a right tackle who is getting looks from a number of colleges. "So every Thursday we have the guys all come over for films, and my dad cooks us a nice dinner. The main thing is just to get together and keep communicating, keep talking — even if it's not always about football. You need to communicate with each other in order to be good."

That goes for all blockers in the Panthers' run-heavy offense, including tight ends and fullbacks, also positions with new starters. Glenbard North won its first two games by playing well defensively, but the blocking could stand to improve on the road at No. 8 Naperville North (2-0) on Friday night.

"We're just trying to be more cohesive on the offensive line and in our blocking assignments," Panthers coach Ryan Wilkens said. "We'd better get it worked out before Friday, though."

That's because Naperville North's defense is led by a pair of hard-hitting defenders — inside linebacker Nick Lifka (6-2, 245) and strong safety Dan Pinkerton (6-0, 170). A missed blocking assignment on either one is usually costly, but it can be especially painful when Lifka is left unblocked. The Boston College recruit goes sideline to sideline well and looks for big shots anytime he can.

"In any single game, blocking assignments are extremely important," Wisniewski said. "In a game like this, with Lifka back there, it's even more important. If you don't make that block, he will make the tackle. That's why we've been stressing in practice that we have to know our assignments like the backs of our hands. We're having a very good week, too."

That has to make Glenbard North's talented trio of running backs feel better. Evin Natick, Phil Jackson and Devin Harkins can do damage if they spring into the secondary, something they hope will happen more often this week.

"When they open up holes, it's always a lot easier," Natick said. "Not every play is going to be picture perfect, though. We know that. People are going to make mistakes. But if they mess up, then somebody's got to pick them up. And if I mess up, they'll pick me up too."

X and O factor: This should be a close, hard-hitting game, and the team that makes the fewest mistakes will survive. Led by Pinkerton and Lifka, the Huskies defense goes right at offenses. Glenbard North's blocking had better be up to the task or it could be a long night. Naperville North's LaCosse can motor for a big guy, and he is no fun to bring down.

FYI: Glenbard North has allowed two touchdowns in two games.

He said it: "They're a run team, and they really believe in being physical and playing football the way I believe is the right way to play football. They play hard, hit hard and their defense is always stout." — Naperville North coach Sean Drendel on Glenbard North.